Disappearing toilet



Patented Apr. 13, 1937 u UNITED STATES www plsmcanmo 'romn'r L u Ralph H. Koch, Lennox, near Inglewood, c

mounted in such a manner that whereas they are normally disposed in a convenient, out of f the way place and/or concealed from view, they can be withdrawn to operative position for convenient use whenever desired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a disappearing toilet construction of the character indicated, wherein a toilet bowl is mounted upon the inner face of la panel so arranged that by drawing the panel outwards, the toilet bowl can be Withdrawn from a recess in a wall or other suitable supporting structure. and thus placed in operative position with the utmost convenience, and by 'replacing the panel the bowl can be caused to recede into the recess and completely concealed from view.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide novel means ,for interconnecting the toilet bowl with a suitable waste pipe for the disposal of waste matter from the bowl, whereby a substantially fluid-tight engagement therebetween is maintained, regardless of the position of the bowl.

Another object is to provide eilicient means for preventing the escape ofany gases and/or noxious odors from the recess' to the apartment in the wail of which the recess is formed.

A further 'object of my invention is to provide means for causing the bowl automatically to ush itself upon its movement into the recess.`

Still another object is to provide a-sitable reinforcing and supporting structure for the bowl andthe panel whereupon it is mounted, thereby enabling it to support an ample amount oi' weight without damage.v

A further object of the present invention'is to provide a 'disappearing toilet construction having the above mentioned and other, advantages and it oifers great convenience in such locations asl both large and V'small oillces, apartments, and boats."

The invention possesses other objects and acl-jv PATErnil Application may i, 193s, serial Nu. 19,135

vantageous features, someiof which with those enumerated will be set forth in thefollowing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification. It should be understood, however, that these drawings and description are utilized in this speciiication only in an exemplary and not in a limiting sense, inasmuch as I may adopt variations of the preferred form of my invention within the scope thereof, as set forth in the claims. Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a portion oi' a room showing a disappearing toilet construction embodying the principles of the present invention operatively installed in a wall thereof. Figure v2 is an enlarged transverse vertical, sectional view, taken through the recess which is provided for the accommodation of the toilet fixture and showing the device retracted to its between the bowl and the waste pipe.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view illustrating the means provided for establishing a tight seal for the doorv of thel recess 'whereby escapev of gases and/or odors from thev recess when closed is prevented.

In termsl of broad inclusion, the toilet fixture f of the present invention comprises atoilet bowl V of suitable d'esignmountedupon the" door of aA recess which is'provided in a wall or othersuitable supporting structure. By moving the door to .its closed position, the'toilet bowl Vmaybe caused to recede into the recess and be completely concealed from view vby the door. the door outwards, however, the toilet bowl may 1 be extended'into conveniently operative position for use; and means are provided for suitably supporting and" reinforcing the bowl so as to'present a structure suitably rigid and rugged to withstand suilicient hard usage. Means are. also provided for ushing the bowl, preferably having an automatic valve tripped by' the bowl itself, when pushedback into the recess to its receded position. Preferably a lavatory also isV provided in the same recess and accessible through preferably a. separate closure panel so that laccess to the lavatory can vbe had without having to remoye'the toilet bowlfrom its concealed position. In this manner. hence,by means of a `device of this invention, Ihave provided a toilet bowl and lava- By swinging v tory fixture adapted for installation in the wall of an ordinary living or business room, which is normally entirely concealed from view, thus permitting unrestricted use of the room by enabling 5 an occupant of the room to have access to lavatory and toilet facilities with the utmost convenience. Moreover, the entire arrangement occupies only a minimum of space and is an extremely light, though rugged and durable conl struction, the result being that itis particularly well adapted for installation in the restricted quarters available in aircraft, small boats. such as cruisers and yachts, and Staterooms of large passenger carrying vessels.

15 Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of my invention installed in association with a recess II in awall I2. For this recess II a closure panel I3 is provided, this panel I3 being mounted for swinging movement about a horizontal axis as by 20 hinges I4 at the lower end of the panel I3. When closed the panel i 3 lies preferably in planar align.

ment with the wall I2, or slightly offset therefrom, to present the appearance of a decorative panel whereby the fixture is more effectively concealed. 25 particularly if the opening I3 in the wall I2 which the panel I3 is adapted to close is surrounded by suitable molding strips I1.

Preferably a substantially gas-tight and odortight seal is established between the panel I3 and 0 the edges of the opening I 3 as by means of a resilient strip 2l (see Fig. 5) aillxed to the edges of the wall I2 surrounding the opening I3 and adapted to engage the edges of the panel I3 when the latter is moved to closed position. A

Afllxed to the inner face of the panel I3 is a framework construction 23 comprising rigid strips 21, preferably angle irons, extending along the vertical edges of the panel I3, and strips 23, also preferably of angle iron, extending angularly inwards from the upper ends of the strips 21. Rigid with the inner ends of the strips 23 are pins 23 which are slidably received within the channel guides 3I which are rigid with the side walls 32 of the recess Il and are of arcuate form, the axis 45 of the arcs described by the guides 3| iyingin the axis of the pintles of the hinges I4. Secured at each end of each channel guide 3| is a coil compression spring 33 or other suitable resilient cushioning means, adapted to be engaged by the pins 23 to limit both inward and outward movement of the panel I3. The parts are so proportioned and arranged that when the panel I3- reaches its outer stream of movement, as illustrated upon Figure 3, the pins 23 engage the springs 33 at the outer ends of the guide 3i and the strips 23 are substantially horizontal.

Mounted upon the inner face of the panel I3 and supported and reinforced by the framework 23 is a toilet bowl 33 which is preferably constructed of non-corrosive sheet metal and which is of substantially funnel shape, inasmuch as it has a large, open, upper end 31 the plane of which is substantially parallel to that of the arms or o strips 23, a tapering body portion 33, and a tubular portion 33. of relatively small diameter, leading down from its lower end. This tubular, lower end 33 describes an arc, the axis of which also lies in the axis of the pintles of the hinges I4. This o arcuate, tubular portion 33 is telescopically engaged within the upper end 4I of a waste pipe 42 which leads from the recess I I to a suitable point of discharge. The upper end 4I of the waste pipe 42 is also of arcuate form; and the arcs de- 75 scribed by the portions 33 and 4I are coaxial S0 that as the panel I3 and the bowl 33 carried thereby move in swinging movement about the axis of the hinges'l4 the portion 33 can move freely into or out of the portion 4I, depending upon'direction of movement of the panel I3, as will clearly be understood by reference to Figure 2 and 3.

Means are provided for establishing a gastight seal between the telescopically engaged portions 33 and 4I in any position of the toilet. This can best be provided through the expedient of a packing ring 43 (see Fig. 4) carried by preferably the lower member, i. e., the upper end 4I of the waste pipe 42, and frictionally engaging the outer su'rface of the lower end 33, or

discharge pipe, of theI bowl 33. This ring 43 is \releasably retained in operative position by a suitable retaining gland 41 and machine screws 43 or their equivalent; and preferably an annulus' 43 of metal is disposed on the upper surface of the packing 43. Annular shoulders 3l and 32 are provided on the outer surface of the arcuate discharge pipe 33, the lower shoulder 3| being at or adjacent the end of the discharge pipe 33 and the other shoulder 32 being spaced therefrom a distance determined by the extent of movement of the discharge pipe 33 into the waste pipe 4I, i. e., the shoulders 5I and 52 are so positioned that the lower shoulder 5I engages the under side of the packing 43 when the panel I3 and bowl 33 are in extended position, as in Figure vIi, and the upper shoulder 52 engages the upper surface of the annulus 43 when the panel I3 and bowl 33 are in retracted position as in Figure 2.

A suitable toilet seat 33, is ailixed preferably, as by hinges 31, to the upper, large end 31 of the bowl 33.

Meansv for flushing the bowl 33 are also provided. For this purpose, a tube 3l is mounted just inside the upper end 31 of the bowl 33 and is provided with a plurality of orifices 32 adapted to distribute fluid evenly and preferably at considerable force over preferably theentire inner surface of the bowl 33. Fluid at suitable pressure is supplied to the distribution tube 3i by means of a flexible conduit, preferably in the form of metal tubes 33 and 31 articulated as at 33, connected to the distribution tube 3i by a suitable articulated joint 33 and to a supply pipe 13 by another articulated joint 1I. In the supply pipe 10 an automatic flush valve 12 is mounted; and the handle 13 of the flush valve 12 carries an extension 14 in position to be engaged by a spring-pressed trip 13 which is mounted upon one of the arms 23, as the bowl 36 and panel I3 approach their inner extreme of movement, and in that manner actuate the valve 12. Thus it may be seen that the toilet is caused automatically to flush itself when it is retracted to its concealed position.

Preferably side panels 8| are mounted upon the framework 23 so as to conceal the bowl 33 from view when in extended position, and to provide a more attractive and readily cleansed construction.

Thus it may be seen that I have provided a collapsible or disappearing toilet construction capable of operating entirely satisfactorily to perform all the usual functions of a conventional toilet xture, and yet it can be caused to recede into the recess II when not desired for use, for the purpose of saving space and/or concealing the xture from view. Consequently, the device is well suited for installation in the 55 ing a recess, la waste pipe'lead'ing" therefro wall of a room normally used for other purposes, such as a private business oillce, hotel or" apartment room, or a stateroom of a passenger vessel.

'I'he device also finds extreme' utility in other 5 types of vehicles, such as aircraft, busses, railway cars, and small boats. such as cruisers and yachts where saving of space is of importance. It should be emphasized, however, that whereas the device oi my invention is of ample strength l0 and rigidity to prevent damage thereto through fer, however, that the bowl 06 be accessible for use through a separate opening 81 so as to avoid the necessity of extending the toilet Vbowl 38 into operative position whenever it is desired to use the lavatory bowl 86. prefer to provide a separate closure panel B8 which can be removed from its closing position as by sliding upwards behind one of the fixed panels 89 of the wall i2, as indicated upon Figure l. 1

In order to enhancethe efllcacy of the gaskets 2i in preventing the escape of odors and/or noxious gases from the recess i I, I prefer that a vent pipe 9| be provided, leading from that portion of the recess il with which the toilet '40 bowl mounted for movement optionally into or` out of said recess, an outlet pipe leading from` said bowl, said pipes telescopically engaging each other to permit movement of -said bowl, and packing means carried by one of said pipes and slidably engaging the other to establish a iluidtight seal therebetween in` all positionsof said bowl, said packing means comprising va packing ring carried by one oi' said pipesand surrounding and frictionally engaging the other 'of vvsaid v pipes, and an annular shoulder rigid with said" other pipe in position to engagesaidA E ring when said bowl reaches; itsouter e v0f movement'.

2. I n a plumbing construction. ,IIlil'ls` bowl `mounted for pivotal movement',optiwojli,l into or out ofsaid recess, an outletpipef le from said bowl, said pipes having ctr-.axialv arcu ate portions telescopically engaging each other to permit movement of said bowll 'without'dis turbing-the connection thereof to s'aid'waste pipe,l a pair of spaced annular shoulders rigid with one of said arcuate portions, packing". .means sur:-

rounding andfrictionally engaging said arcuate portion between said vshoulders and carriedbyi the other of said arcuate portions in position'to be engaged by one of said shoulders -assaid bowl reaches each of its extremes ot'movementj, a

sourcev of fluid under pressure, a valve insaid Consequently, I

rigid with walls of said recess and arcuate about said axis, pinsrigid with said panel and slidably engaged within said guides and means adjacent ends of said channel guides engageable by said pins to limit movement of said panel, a bowl car- 5 ried by said panel, an outlet pipe leading from said bowl, and a waste pipe leading from said recess, -said pipes having telescopically engaged portions co-axiaily arcuate, the common axis of said arcuate sections coinciding with the axis of lo movement of said panel.

4. A plumbing fixture of the character described comprising means providing a recess. a closing panel therefor mounted for pivotal movement about a predetermined axis, channel guides i5 rigid with walls of said recess and arcuate about said axis, pins rigid with said panel and slidably engaged within said guides, and cushioning means adjacent ends of said channel guides engageable by said pins to limit movement of said 20 panel, a bowl carried by said panel, an outlet pipe leading from said bowl, and a waste pipe Y leading from said recess, said pipes having telescopically engaged portions co-axially arcuate, the common axis oi said arcuate sections coin- 25 ciding with the axis of movement of said panel.

panel, a bowl carried by said panel, and means for conducting waste from said bowl out of said recess.

' 6. A plumbing xture of the character described comprising means providing a recess. a 40 closing panel therefor mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, channel t guides rigid with walls of said recess and arcuate about said axis, pins rigid with said panel and slidably lengaged within said guides, and cushioning 45 means adjacent ends ofsaid channel guides engageable by said pins to limit movement of said panel, a'bowl carried by said panel, a waste pipe leading fromsaid recess, and means connecting said bowl to said waste pipe in all positions of 50 said bowl. Y

'1.k Afplumbing fixture of the character defscribedcomprising means providing a recess, a ,closing Vpanel therefor mounted for pivotal movementabout a horizontal axis, channel guides 55 frigid lwithfwalls of said recess and arcuate about said axis, pins rigid with said panel and slidably engaged :within said guides, and cushioning means adjacent ends'of said channel guides engageable by said'pins to limitmovement of said 60 panel, a :bowl carried by said panel, means for conducting waste from said bowl, and means es- `tablifshing'a substantially gas-tight seal between 'panel'vand walls of said recess when said ,panel is in closed position. 05

f 8.A plumbing fixture of the character described comprising means providing a recess, a closing panel therefor mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, channel guides rigid with walls of said recess and arcuate about said axis, pins rigid with said panel and slidably engaged within 4said guides, and cushioning means adjacent ends of said channel guides engageable by said pins to limit movement of said panel, a bowl carried by said panel, means for conducting waste from said bowl, means establishing a substantially gas-tight seal between said panel and walls of said recess when said panel is in closed position, and `a vent pipe leading from said recess.

9. In a plumbing construction, means providing a recess, a waste pipe leading therefrom, a bowl mounted for pivotal movement optionally into or out of said recess, means connecting said 10 bowl to said waste pipe, a source of ilu'id under pressure, a valve in said iluid supply, and means i'or conducting fluid from said valve to said bowl comprising a tubel leading into said bowl, a pair of tubes connected by an articulated joint to each other, one of the tubes of said pair being connected by an articulated joint to said bowl tube,l and the other by another articulated Joint to said valve, the axes of all of said articulated joints being parallel.

RALPH H. KOCH. 

